U.S. patent application number 10/581118 was filed with the patent office on 2008-01-10 for clip with dual attachment channels and corresponding clip house.
This patent application is currently assigned to Green Tokai Co., Ltd.. Invention is credited to Norihisa Kataya, Renji Maki, Fumiaki Uchimura.
Application Number | 20080007080 10/581118 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34794215 |
Filed Date | 2008-01-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080007080 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Maki; Renji ; et
al. |
January 10, 2008 |
Clip With Dual Attachment Channels and Corresponding Clip House
Abstract
A Clip (1) and a clip house (20)for an automotive part. The clip
(1) has dual attachment channels (4,5) so that the clip (1) is
easily attachable, removable and re-attachable to and from a
vehicle, such as an automobile, boat, snowmobile, or other similar
structure. The clip (1) comprises a base (2), whereby a male member
(3) projects from the base of the clip (2) on one side of the base
(2), and the channels (4, 5) extend from the base (2) on the
opposite side of the base (2). A longitudinal axis (b) of the male
member (3) is offset slightly from a true center (a) of the base
(2). The channels (4, 5) are provided on the side of the base (2)
opposite the male member (3). Flanges (7, 8) are provided to secure
attachment means of a trim part (30) received in the channels (4,
5). The clip house (20) comprises a ramp (85) with a recessed well
(23) parallel to the ramp (85). One of the channels (4, 5) of the
clip (1) slides along the ramp (85) to snap lock one of the flanges
(7, 8) in secured, engaged attachment to the clip house (20).
Inventors: |
Maki; Renji; (Brookville,
OH) ; Kataya; Norihisa; (Obu-City, JP) ;
Uchimura; Fumiaki; (Obu-City, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WEGMAN, HESSLER & VANDERBURG
6055 ROCKSIDE WOODS BOULEVARD, SUITE 200
CLEVELAND
OH
44131
US
|
Assignee: |
Green Tokai Co., Ltd.
Brookville
OH
|
Family ID: |
34794215 |
Appl. No.: |
10/581118 |
Filed: |
March 30, 2004 |
PCT Filed: |
March 30, 2004 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US04/09495 |
371 Date: |
September 13, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60530554 |
Dec 18, 2003 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
296/29 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F16B 5/0614 20130101;
F16B 5/123 20130101; F16B 21/086 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
296/29 |
International
Class: |
F16B 5/12 20060101
F16B005/12 |
Claims
1. A clip adapted for attaching a trim part surface to a mounting
surface of a vehicle, said clip comprising: a base having a top and
bottom portion; a male member extending outwardly from said top
portion of said base, raised surface portions formed on opposing
sides of said male member with a gap being defined between said
raised portions and said top of said base, said gap adapted for
snug receipt of said mounting surface of a vehicle therein; a first
attachment channel formed in said base; a second attachment channel
formed in said base; said first and second attachment channels
being in generally parallel relation to each other in said base and
separated by a common wall extending between said top and said
bottom portions of said base, said first and second attachment
channels having elongated openings, said elongated openings in said
first and second attachment channels facing in opposing
directions.
2. The clip as recited in claim 1, wherein said male member
comprises a longitudinal axis, said base comprising a central axis,
and wherein said male member is eccentrically positioned relative
to said central axis on said base.
3. The clip as recited in claim 1, wherein said base comprises a
longitudinally extending axis perpendicularly related to said
central axis of said base and bisecting said base, and wherein said
common wall extends parallel to and is laterally spaced from said
longitudinal axis.
4. The clip as recited in claim 3 further comprising a flange area
providing a narrowed portion in one of said attachment
channels.
5. The clip as recited in claim 3 wherein each of said first and
second attachment channels comprise a flange area therein, thereby
narrowing a portion of each attachment channel.
6. The clip as recited in claim 5, wherein said flanges face
opposing directions.
7. The clip as recited in claim 6, wherein the flanges face in a
same direction.
8. The clip recited in claim 1, wherein said raised surface
portions of said male member present smoothed, radiused
surfaces.
9. Composition comprising a clip and a clip house for engaging said
clip; said clip house being attached to an automotive trim part and
comprising an inclined mounting portion; said clip comprising: a
base having a top and bottom portion; a male member extending
outwardly from said top portion of said base, raised surface
portions formed on opposing sides of said male member with a gap
being defined between said raised portions and said top of said
base, said gap adapted for snug receipt of said mounting surface of
a vehicle therein; a first attachment channel formed in said base;
a second attachment channel formed in said base; said first and
second attachment channels being in generally parallel relation to
each other in said base and separated by a common wall extending
between said top and said bottom portions of said base, said first
and second attachment channels having elongated openings, said
elongated openings in said first and second attachment channels
facing in opposing directions; one of said attachment channels of
said clip slidably engaging said inclined portion of said clip
house thereby securing said clip to said clip house.
10. Combination as recited in claim 9 wherein said clip house
further comprises a recessed well adjacent said inclined mounting
portion, said clip further comprising a flange area in said first
attachment channel providing a narrowed end portion in said first
attachment channel, said flange area being snuggly fit into said
recessed well upon sliding movement of said clip relative to said
clip house.
11. Combination as recited in claim 10 wherein said clip house
comprises a slot, said common wall of said clip being slidably
engaged in said slot.
12. Combination as recited in claim 11, said clip comprising a
second flange formed in said second attachment channel, said clip
house further comprising an edge of said mounting surface, said
second flange of said clip extending over said edge.
13. Combination as recited in claim 10, wherein said inclined
mounting surface of said clip house defines a ramp having a base
portion and an increased elevation portion, said recessed well
portion of said clip house being adjacent said increased elevation
portion of said ramp.
14. Combination as recited in claim 11, wherein said inclined
mounting surface of said clip house defines a ramp having a base
portion and an increased elevation portion of said clip house, said
recessed well portion of said clip house being adjacent said
increased elevation portion of said ramp.
15. Automotive trim part of the type having a show surface and a
rear surface opposite said show surface, said rear surface
comprising a clip house mounting structure thereon for receiving a
clip therein to attach said part to a frame member or the like,
said clip house comprising an inclined mounting portion in the form
of a ramp, said ramp having a base portion and an elevated portion,
said clip house also including a recessed well portion extending
adjacent said elevated portion of said ramp.
16. Clip house mounting structure as recited in claim 15 further
comprising a channel formed in mounting surface, said ramp being
interposed between said channel and said recessed well.
17. Clip house mounting structure as recited in claim 16 wherein
said recessed well and said channel extend along a longitudinal
dimension of said part in substantially parallel relation to each
other and wherein said elevated portion of said ramp terminates in
an edge surface that is substantially parallel to said recessed
well.
18. Clip house mounting structure as recited in claim 14 wherein
said elevated portion of said ramp terminates in an edge surface
that is substantially parallel to said recessed well.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Patent Application Ser. No. 60/530,554 filed Dec. 18, 2003.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of Invention
[0003] This invention relates to clips having dual attachment
channels for use with trim parts having a corresponding clip house.
The clips secure the trim part to a vehicle, such as an automobile,
boat, snowmobile, or the like by attachment of the clip to a clip
house joined with the trim part.
[0004] 2. Description of Related Art
[0005] Several types of vehicular body or trim clips are known. In
many instances, special clips have to be designed and made to suit
each unique trim part/mounting surface structure. This requirement
results in an increase in engineering and manufacturing time. It is
therefore desirable to provide a versatile clip that may
accommodate a variety of different trim part/mounting surface
structural designs.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] This invention provides a versatile clip with dual
attachment channels that is easily attachable, removable and
re-attachable to and from a vehicle, such as an automobile, boat,
snowmobile, or the like.
[0007] This invention separately provides a clip comprising a base,
wherein a male member projects from the base of the clip on one
side of the base, and dual attachment channels are formed along
opposing sides of the base. The longitudinal axis of the male
member is offset slightly from the center of the clip base. Rounded
protuberances extend from two sides of the male member and are
slightly spaced above the clip base. Each of these protuberances or
raised surfaces is raised slightly from an upper surface of the
clip base to form a gap between a lower surface of the
protuberances and an upper surface of the clip base. In this
configuration, the raised, rounded portions and the upper surface
of the base cooperate to secure the clip to the vehicle by snug
receipt of sheet metal, or other mounting surface of the vehicle,
into the gap.
[0008] Various exemplary embodiments of this invention separately
provide dual attachment channels formed in the clip base opposite
from the male member. The dual attachment channels are offset
relative to a line bisecting the base. Each attachment channel is
formed as a substantially u-shaped channel in the clip base.
Portions of a corresponding clip house are received in the
channels, and flanges provided on outer edges of the channels
secure the clip in place on the clip house. The clip house is
joined with the trim part and is preferably co-molded therewith.
Thus, securing the clip to the clip house permits the trim part to
be removably mounted to the vehicle using the same clip as
desired.
[0009] As a result of the exaggerated offset of the dual attachment
channels relative to the center of the clip, one of the attachment
channels is deeper than the other attachment channel. As a result,
increased versatility of the clip is achieved as the clip may be
oriented for one attachment channel to receive a correspondingly
sized portion of the clip house, whereas the other attachment
channel may be positioned to receive a different sized portion of
the clip house. In this sense, the clip is quite versatile for use
with vehicle trim parts having differently oriented or differently
sized clip houses.
[0010] According to various exemplary embodiments of the clip, a
first flange is provided at an outer edge of the first attachment
channel. The first flange may be located at the outer edge on
either the upper or lower side of the first channel. The second
attachment channel may include a second flange also at an outer
edge of the second channel. The first and second flanges are thus
oriented on the same upper or lower sides of their respective first
and second channels, or may be oriented on opposite upper and lower
sides of the first and second channels. The clip is secured to a
longitudinally extending upper surface of the clip house by
inserting a raised portion of the upper surface of the clip house
into the first channel, for example. The clip is thus mounted to
the clip house in a direction transverse to the longitudinal extent
of the upper surface of the clip house. In this manner, the clip
thus snaps or friction fits the first flange into a well just
beyond a raised portion on the upper surface of the clip house.
[0011] Alternatively, the clip is secured by longitudinally sliding
the first and second channels of the clip onto a slotted clip
house, thus positioning the first flange in a well just beyond a
raised portion in the upper surface of the clip house and
positioning the second flange along a flared outer edge of the
upper surface of the clip house. The slot receives a common wall of
the clip that separates the first and second channels. Thus, one
attachment channel slides over a solid upper surface of the clip
house to secure the clip to the clip house, or both attachment
channels are slid along a slotted upper surface of the clip house
in order to secure the clip in place.
[0012] In various exemplary embodiments, the flanges on each of the
dual attachment channels may be oriented in the same direction as
one another, i.e., both protruding upwardly toward the male
projection or downwardly away from the male projection, or the
flanges may be oriented in opposite directions; i.e., one flange
may protrude upwardly toward the male projection and the other
flange may protrude downwardly away from the male projection. In
either case, the flanges serve to secure the clip to the clip house
that is joined with the trim part that is to be attached to a
vehicle, boat, or the like.
[0013] One exemplary embodiment of the clip house according to the
invention comprises a clip house joined with and projecting from
the interior of the trim part. The upper surface of the clip house
includes a raised portion over which the flange of the first
channel, for example, rides to position the clip onto the clip
house. Just beyond the raised portion, a recessed well is provided
in which the flange of the first channel will rest once the clip
has been appropriately snap or friction fitted onto the clip house.
Reinforcement ribs join the clip house to the trim part and provide
rigidity to the clip house. In this exemplary embodiment, it is
possible that only one of the attachment channels is used to secure
the clip to the clip house.
[0014] Another exemplary embodiment of the clip house according to
the invention comprises a clip house joined with and projecting
from the interior of the trim part. In this embodiment, a slot is
provided near a rear portion of the upper surface for receiving the
common wall separating the first and second channels of the clip.
As the clip is slid into the slot, and thus onto the clip house,
one flange of the clip engages the rear edge of the upper surface,
and another flange of the clip seats in the well just beyond a
raised portion towards a front of the upper surface. A single side
wall joins the clip house to the interior of the trim part and
provides rigidity to the clip house. Thus, the clip house of this
embodiment is closed on one side by the single side wall, and open
on the other side to enable the first and second channels of the
clip to slidably receive the upper surface of the clip house.
[0015] These and other features and advantages of this invention
are described in, or are apparent from, the following detailed
description of various exemplary embodiments of the systems and
methods according to this invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] Various exemplary embodiments of the systems and methods of
this invention will be described in detail with reference to the
following figures, wherein:
[0017] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a clip according to
the invention;
[0018] FIG. 2 illustrates a right hand side elevational view of one
exemplary embodiment of the clip shown in FIG. 1;
[0019] FIG. 3 illustrates a right hand side elevational view of
another exemplary embodiment of the clip shown in FIG. 1;
[0020] FIG. 4 illustrates a left hand side elevational view of the
clip shown in FIGS. 1 and 2;
[0021] FIG. 5a is a view similar to FIG. 2 but showing secure
attachment of automotive mounting surfaces in one of the attachment
channels of the clip; and
[0022] FIG. 5b shows another view of one of the attachment channels
of the clip attached to the automotive mounting surfaces.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0023] Turning first to FIG. 1, there is shown a versatile clip in
accordance with the invention. The clip comprises a base member 2
having an upper portion 2a and lower portion 2b arranged generally
in parallel to each other and defining a top surface and a bottom
surface, respectively. A male member 3 projects upwardly from the
top surface 2a and, as shown, the member 3 projects perpendicularly
from the upper surface 2a. First and second channels 4, 5,
respectively, are formed in the base and have open ends parallel to
flange members 7 and 8. The open ends of the first and second
attachment channels face in opposite directions from each
other.
[0024] Raised portions 6 are provided on both the right and left
sides of the male member 3. The raised portions 6 are in the form
of a smooth, curved, radiused surface, and the space between the
upper surface 2a and the raised portions 6 defines a gap g into
which a vehicular mounting surface, such as sheet metal or the
like, will be grasped firmly.
[0025] As shown, common wall 10 separates the first and second
channels from each other. The bottom surface of the base is
depicted as 9 in FIG. 1.
[0026] The base comprises a central axis shown as line (a),
projecting perpendicularly through the clip. A longitudinal axis L
is also shown in perpendicular relation to central axis (a). The
longitudinal axis L bisects the base into equal areas. As shown,
the male member has a central axis (b), that is parallel to the
central axis of the base (a) but eccentrically mounted
therefrom.
[0027] It is noted that the channels 4 and 5 extend in generally
parallel relation to the longitudinal axis L with the common wall
member 10 being laterally spaced from the longitudinal axis.
Accordingly, the channels 4, 5 are offset with regard to the
longitudinal axis L of the base. Each of the channels has a
different depth so that in order to enhance the versatility of the
clip, the channels 4, 5 may accommodate differently dimensioned
mounting structures of the vehicle. This, along with the eccentric
mount of the male member 3 on the base, greatly increases the
versatility of the clip as compared to conventional clips in which
attachment channels may be provided in symmetrical disposition
along the clip surface.
[0028] FIG. 2 clearly shows the employment of opposing flange
members 7, 8 that are respectively provided in conjunction with the
channels 5, 4. Here, flange 7 protrudes downwardly from the upper
portion 2a of the base with flange 8 provided in the channel 4
projecting upwardly from the lower portion 2b of the base. The
flanges provide narrowed constrictions along each of the channels
and are accordingly useful in a friction fit of the requisite
mounting surfaces in the respective channels 4, 5.
[0029] FIGS. 2 thru 4 more clearly show the offset relationship
between the channels 4, 5, wherein FIGS. 2 and 4 show right and
left side views of a first exemplary embodiment of the clip, and
FIG. 3 shows a right side view of a second exemplary embodiment of
the clip. That is, the channels 4, 5 in the clips of FIGS. 2 thru 4
are both parallel to the longitudinal axis L, but the common wall
10 separating the two channels is laterally offset from this
longitudinal axis. As shown, the open faces of the respective
channels 4, 5 are disposed in opposition to each other and, as
shown, these open faces are disposed at 180.degree. to each other.
The distinguishing feature between the various embodiments shown in
FIGS. 2 thru 4 lies in the positioning of the flange 8. In FIGS. 2
and 4 the flange 8 is provided on an upper side of the lower
portion 2b of the base, whereas in FIG. 3 the flange 8 is provided
on a lower side of the upper portion 2a of the base.
[0030] FIG. 5a illustrates one exemplary embodiment of the clip
house 20 mounting surface adapted for engagement with clip 1
according to the invention. The clip house 20 projects from an
interior of the trim part 30 and as shown is integral with the trim
part 30. Reinforcing ribs 25 further join the clip house 20 to the
trim part 30 and provide rigidity to the clip house 20.
[0031] The upper surface 21 of the clip house 20 includes an
inclined portion 22 over which the flange 8 of the first channel,
for example, slides to position the clip 1 onto the clip house 20.
Just beyond the raised portion 22, a recessed well 23 is provided
into which the flange 8 of the first channel will rest once the
clip 1 has been appropriately snap or friction fitted onto the clip
house 20. In this exemplary embodiment, the clip 1 is thus mounted
to the clip house 20 by sliding the clip 1 onto the clip house 20
in a direction generally transverse to the longitudinal direction
of the upper surface 22 of the clip house 20 in order to secure the
clip 1 to the clip house 20.
[0032] The inclined portion of the mounting surface is in the form
of a ramp having a base section 81 and an elevated section 85 which
terminates in edge portion 101. The recessed well 23 is positioned
adjacent edge 101 with the edge and recessed well 23 being in
generally parallel relation along the longitudinal axis or
dimension of the part.
[0033] FIG. 5b illustrates another exemplary embodiment of the clip
house 20 corresponding to an exemplary clip 1 according to the
invention. In the embodiment of FIG. 5b the clip house 20 is joined
to and extends from the interior side of the trim part 30. In this
embodiment, the upper surface 21 of the clip house 20 is provided
with a slot 26 through which the common wall 10 of the clip 1
longitudinally slides to position the first and second channels 4,
5 as desired on the clip house 20. The upper surface 21 is also
provided with a raised portion 22 that extends to a side edge of
the upper surface 21. As the clip 1 is slid into the slot 26, and
thus onto the clip house 20, one flange 7 of the clip 1 engages
rear edge 71 of the upper surface 21, and another flange 8 of the
clip 1 seats in the well 23 just beyond the raised portion 22 of
the upper surface 21. In this embodiment, the raised portion 22
extends to a side edge of the upper surface 21 of the clip house 20
in order to properly align the clip 1 as it is being slid onto the
clip house 20. A web like side wall 28 joins the clip house 20 to
the trim part 30. The clip house 20 of this embodiment is thus
partially closed on one side and open on the other side to enable
the first and second channels of the clip to slidably receive the
upper surface of the clip house. Preferably, in all of the
embodiments described herein, the clip house 20 is integrally
molded with the trim part 30, although the artisan will appreciate
that joining the clip house 20 with the trim part 30 may be
achieved otherwise without compromising the features and novelties
of the clip and corresponding clip house of the invention described
herein.
[0034] Similar to the structure shown in FIG. 5a, the mounting
surface of the clip house shown in FIG. 5b is in the form of a ramp
wherein the ramp comprises a base edge portion 75 and an elevated
portion 77. The elevated portion of the ramp terminates in an edge
95 that extends above the well 23 and is substantially parallel
thereto along the longitudinal axis of the part. In this
embodiment, the ramp is interposed between the channel 26 and the
well 23.
[0035] It is then apparent in conjunction especially with FIGS. 5a
and 5b that the clip and clip house combination in accordance with
the invention are extremely versatile. For example, in the
embodiment shown in FIG. 5a, the clip is inserted via a force
vector shown by the arrow in FIG. 5a which is transversely
preferably normally related to the longitudinal axis of the part
30. The attachment channel and associate flange 8 of the clip are
slid along the ramp 85 with the flange 8 then extending over edge
101 of the ramp and then being anchored firmly in the recessed well
23. At the same time, the flange 7 (see FIG. 1) abuts the base edge
81 of the ramp to help prevent rotation of the clip that may
otherwise occur.
[0036] The embodiment shown in FIG. 5b results in a clipping action
wherein the clip is inserted in its mating clip house structure by
a force vector exerted in the longitudinal direction of the part as
shown by the arrow. Here, the attachment channel 4 and associated
flange 8 of the clip slide along the ramp with the flange 8
extending over the edge 95 of the clip house for firm securement in
the recessed well 23. At the same time, the common wall 10 is
snuggly received in channel 26 of the clip house and the flange 7
formed in the second channel of the clip extends under the edge
portion of the clip house structure shown at 71 in FIG. 5b so as to
once again, help to inhibit pivoting of the clip that may otherwise
occur.
[0037] While this invention has been described in conjunction with
the specific embodiments described above, it is evident that many
alternatives, combinations, modifications, and variations are
apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the preferred
embodiments of this invention, as set forth above, are intended to
be illustrative only, and not limiting. Various changes can be made
without departing from the scope and spirit of this invention.
* * * * *